Ph problem

Worrywort · 09-29-2006, 12:46 PM

Okay,so I purposely picked fish for my tanks based on the ph of my tap water. Great idea right! Now, suddenly my tap water has changed (I get water from the Hudson River) and my fish are not happy with the MUCH higher Ph levels. (was 6.2, now 7.4!)

What can do to molify them. Should I add something (I'd hate to add chemicals) or will they all eventually adjust? All my other parameters are perfect so I'm assuming it's the Ph that's the problem.

My fish are fine but don't heal as quickly from fin tears and such.

What do you guys think?

**Damon** · 09-29-2006, 12:48 PM

Best idea is to keep the water clean by doing waterchanges. They will adjust in time. Just make it as stress free as possbile.

**fish_doc** · 09-29-2006, 01:17 PM

I agree, Messing with pH is a neverending problem. Most fish adapt just fine. The only time you may have to worry about pH is if you are trying to breed the fish. Even then many species dont care.

IloveCichlids · 09-29-2006, 01:36 PM

Try using driftwood, I have heard that this brings the pH down but I am not sure as to what level.

girth vader · 09-29-2006, 01:58 PM

ya, only buffer if absolutely needed, which in this case doesn't sound like that's the case. Besides it may go back to 6.2 on its own.

**JustOneMore20** · 09-29-2006, 02:01 PM

A stable pH is better than the "corrected" pH. 7.4 is perfectly fine for most fish. I wouldn't mess with it. Malaysian and Swahala driftwood both lower the pH slightly. I wouldn't expect anything dramatic though.

Worrywort · 09-29-2006, 04:46 PM

Thank you guys so much. I agree with the fact that the Ph may change back when the seasons do. That is why I hadn't done anything so far. I just wanted to be sure this wouldn't cause any undue stress for my fish. I've already lost some to unknown causes and just wanted to be set at ease that the Ph wasn't a likely culprit.
Thanks again. I may look into driftwood for the time being.

09-29-2006, 12:46 PM	#1
Worrywort Fishy Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Age: 30 Posts: 28	Ph problem Okay,so I purposely picked fish for my tanks based on the ph of my tap water. Great idea right! Now, suddenly my tap water has changed (I get water from the Hudson River) and my fish are not happy with the MUCH higher Ph levels. (was 6.2, now 7.4!) What can do to molify them. Should I add something (I'd hate to add chemicals) or will they all eventually adjust? All my other parameters are perfect so I'm assuming it's the Ph that's the problem. My fish are fine but don't heal as quickly from fin tears and such. What do you guys think?

09-29-2006, 12:48 PM	#2
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	Best idea is to keep the water clean by doing waterchanges. They will adjust in time. Just make it as stress free as possbile. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

09-29-2006, 01:17 PM	#3
fish_doc Advisor to Neptune (Mod) Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northern Illinois Age: 40 Posts: 3,825	I agree, Messing with pH is a neverending problem. Most fish adapt just fine. The only time you may have to worry about pH is if you are trying to breed the fish. Even then many species dont care. __________________ Dave (fish_doc) A World of fish

09-29-2006, 01:36 PM	#4
IloveCichlids Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: St. Louis, MO Age: 29 Posts: 456	Try using driftwood, I have heard that this brings the pH down but I am not sure as to what level. __________________ When you feel like this... , just watch your fish, & have a tasty beverage (of your choice, I like Kool-Aid)!

09-29-2006, 01:58 PM	#5
girth vader Hey Now! Join Date: Apr 2006 Age: 33 Posts: 616	ya, only buffer if absolutely needed, which in this case doesn't sound like that's the case. Besides it may go back to 6.2 on its own. __________________ I have a tank!!! A nice one too!

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09-29-2006, 02:01 PM	#6
JustOneMore20 Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama, US Age: 22 Posts: 3,488	A stable pH is better than the "corrected" pH. 7.4 is perfectly fine for most fish. I wouldn't mess with it. Malaysian and Swahala driftwood both lower the pH slightly. I wouldn't expect anything dramatic though. __________________ *Kristin* 5 Planted tanks: 55g, 40g, 29g, 10g, 5.5g 10g N. multifasciatus tank, 5.5g Platy fry

09-29-2006, 04:46 PM	#7
Worrywort Fishy Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Age: 30 Posts: 28	Thank you guys so much. I agree with the fact that the Ph may change back when the seasons do. That is why I hadn't done anything so far. I just wanted to be sure this wouldn't cause any undue stress for my fish. I've already lost some to unknown causes and just wanted to be set at ease that the Ph wasn't a likely culprit. Thanks again. I may look into driftwood for the time being.

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